It “profoundly damaged the CIA’s ability to collect foreign intelligence against America’s adversaries,” put operatives in danger, damaged national security and cost the agency hundreds of millions of dollars, the prosecutors said.
Schulte, 35, was convicted in 2022 of crimes including illegal gathering and transmission of national defense information. It was the second trial after a hung jury and mistrial on the most serious charges in 2020. He faced another trial relating to possessing thousands of child pornography images and videos, discovered on his computer during an FBI investigation into the leak, and was convicted on those charges in September. His sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman, is for all convictions.
Schulte was employed as a software developer from 2012 to 2016 in the Center for Cyber Intelligence, which conducts cyberespionage against terrorist organizations and foreign adversaries. Prosecutors said he was motivated to leak classified information because of resentment over the CIA’s handling of his work-related grievances. He was angry about interpersonal conflicts, being transferred to a different branch, not being granted a certain level of access within the CIA’s systems and similar issues, prosecutor Damian Williams said in court documents.
“He chose to burn our nation’s security to the ground because he did not get his way,” Williams said, adding that Schulte had a comfortable upbringing and family support.
Schulte maintains his innocence, his attorney César de Castro said in sentencing submissions to the court. He had been subjected to “unconscionably punitive conditions” while in jail awaiting trial and sentencing, including being locked in his cell for 23 hours a day with no contact with other inmates, frequent missed meals, constant light and cold temperatures, de Castro said.
“We are very disappointed that Mr. Schulte received 40 years imprisonment, however, relieved that he did not receive life imprisonment as strongly urged by the government,” de Castro said Thursday in an email. He had asked for nine years imprisonment.
The Vault 7 leaks were among a number of high-profile publications by WikiLeaks, the organization founded by Julian Assange, whom the United States is seeking to extradite from the United Kingdom to face prosecution.
Elaine Hadley is a dedicated journalist covering the ever-evolving landscape of U.S. news. With a keen interest in politics and a commitment to uncovering the truth, she provides insightful commentary and in-depth analysis on domestic issues. When not reporting, Elaine enjoys exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of the United States.
